Hawaiian Music Legend Willie K Dead At 59
The popular entertainer died in Wailuku after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Wille K, one of Hawaii’s top musicians of the past several decades, has died.
According to Civil Beat media partner Hawaii News Now, Willie K was 59 and died Monday in Wailuku, Maui, after a long fight with lung cancer.
“Thank you to EVERYONE for all the love, support and prayers you have given,” loved ones said in a post on his Facebook page early Tuesday. “Although he was in positive spirits and doing okay, he was looking forward to performing again. He then suddenly turned for the worse and lost his battle.”
Born William Awihilima Kahaiali’i, the singer, songwriter and guitarist was known for songs like “You Ku’uipo” and “Katchi Katchi Music Makawao.”
But his style ranged widely, from Hawaiian to the blues, to jazz, rock and reggae.
His version of the Christmas standard “O Holy Night” is also widely admired.
He was the winner of 19 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
Willie K announced he was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2018. He kept performing even as he received medical treatment.
Read more of HNN’s report.
